VILLANOVA, Pa. -- Villanova is set to introduce a crop of 12 freshmen to the playing field in 2008 who figure to have an instant impact on the program.

"This is a deep group of young players who bring skill and talent to our program," stated Villanova head coach Jebb Chagan.

Maggie Breslin comes to Villanova from Manhasset High School in New York, where she was an All-Nassau County choice as a junior and senior.

"Maggie finishes well around the goal," states Chagan of Breslin, who will be added to the Wildcats core to play attack. "She does a great job of finding pockets of space off the ball and we expect her to compete for playing time as a freshman."

Amy Jackson should add to Villanova's strength on defense. The native of Baltimore was second team All-City in 2007 at Mercy High School.

"She is really impressive handling the ball in her left and right hands," notes Chagan. "Amy also sees the field very well and makes very few mistakes."

Maggie Langan is a goalie who will immediately challenge for a starting position on the 2008 'Cats. A graduate of Winston Churchill High School in Potomac, Md., Langan was an alternate on the 19 and under national team last summer and an All-Met Honorable Mention choice.

"Maggie works very hard at her position and we expect her to be in the mix for a starting spot," said Chagan.

It is anticipated Rachel Lasda will contribute in the midfield and might see time on defense as well. She was named first team all-league at West Genesee (N.Y.) High School.

"This is a very talented young lady from one of the great high school powerhouses in the country," stated Chagan. "She should see substantial playing time as a freshman."

Kim Wisniewski is the second member of her family to participate in varsity athletics at Villanova. Her sister Allison Wisniewski (24) was a team captain on the softball team before her graduation. Kim Wisniewski was a multi-sport standout at Smithtown High School on Long Island, earning letters in basketball and volleyball as well as lacrosse. She was an Academic All-American in 2007 and represented Long Island in the 2006 Empire States Games.

"Kim is an exceptional athlete and a very hard worker," Chagan said. "She has the potential to be an impact player as a freshman at Villanova on defense and in the midfield."

In the midfield, Rachel Ponge is another new Wildcat. Ponge scored 100 career goals and added 65 assists at Christian Brothers Academy in Syracuse. She was named an Academic All-American and has national team experience.

"She is a very hardworking player from upstate New York," noted Chagan. "Rachel has speed and athleticism and will earn more and more playing time as she learns our offensive system."

Nora Wallace joins her sister Meg Wallace on the 2008 Wildcats. Nora Wallace plays on the attack and is a graduate of Manasquan High School, where she lettered in field hockey, soccer and lacrosse.

"I would call Nora a pleasant surprise," Chagan stated. "Like her sister, Nora possesses excellent quickness while also playing the attack position. Both sisters have already found each other for some tremendous plays around the goal this fall."

Another new Wildcat is midfielder Allie Whelan. She comes to Villanova from Dover (Mass.) Sherborn High School, where she was second team All-Massachusetts in 2007 and ranks as the No. 2 scorer in school history with more than 100 goals.

"We have been happy to add Allie as a walk-on," said Chagan. "She had an impressive career in New England and looks to bring her speed and athleticism to Villanova."

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2007-11-24